Maui, Hawaii

Sunset on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii

dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In my opinion, Maui is the most diverse island out of all of the Hawaiian Islands. The South of the Island has aspects similar to the Big Island. You can find Outlet Malls, Golf Courses, Nice Beaches and many places to book excursions, car rentals, helicopter trips, etc. As you head North, the hustle and bustle of the tourist resorts fades to the natural beauty of the island – more locals, more empty beaches, waterfalls and all of the natural beauty.

When I stayed in the South West (Fairmont Kea Lani), I went out on Whale Cruises (you can often see the whales jumping from your hotel balcony if you have an ocean view). I had a Golf Coach that improved my swing, I sat around the pool, went and ate at some of the chain restaurants. All of that is good, but not necessarily memorable. You could be almost anywhere, though the whales are pretty amazing here.

As you head South East or North across the island, I personally think it gets more interesting. You can rent a Four Wheel Drive Jeep in the South and drive up the East Coast to escape into the natural beauty of the island.

The biggest memory I have is probably the sunrise trip to the top of the Haleakala volcano summit, where you will also find the night sky observatory. Standing at the edge of the crater, you watch the sun come up (often above the clouds). Then my trip was the downhill cycling to the coast. You literally get on a cruiser bike at the top of the mountain and then mostly roll down the mountain until you reach the coast. It takes a few hours and you only really need to pedal the bike a few times to keep up your speed…the rest of the time you just roll down the hill.

Maui is great for young families and would almost certainly be the best island for a multi-generational vacation with memories for grandparents and grandchildren alike.

If you aren’t dependent on room service then a private rental coastal property might appeal to you more than a hotel and definitely rent a car, but pay close attention to the rules of car rental. The cost of recovering a Jeep from the beach might shock you!